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TechTopics No. 87
Ground and test devices
This issue of TechTopics is one of several on the subject of
protective grounding in switchgear assemblies. This
particular issue focuses on the ground and test device,
which is a device that is typically used to apply temporary
personal protective grounds to medium-voltage conductors
in the switchgear assemblies.
The applicable standard for ground and test devices is IEEE
C37.20.6, “IEEE Standard for 4.76 kV to 38 kV Rated Ground
and Test Devices Used in Enclosures”. For decades, there was
no standard for ground and test devices. This was remedied
with the first edition of C37.20.6 in 1997, and the revised
edition in 2007.
The ground and test device is a very important element of
the process of creating an electrically safe work condition as
defined by NFPA 70E®, the Standard for Electrical Safety in
the Workplace, and as required by OSHA regulations. Under
the concept of NFPA 70E, achieving an electrically safe work
condition requires:
The C37.20.6 standard defines four broad categories of
devices, including:
1. Identify all possible energy sources for the equipment
2. Open and isolate each of the identified sources
3. Where possible, visually verify that the sources are
isolated
4. Apply lockout/tagout devices to all identified sources
5. U
se appropriate voltage test device to verify absence of
voltage
6. A
pply temporary personal protective grounds to the
phase conductors before contacting them.
As described, there are many steps that must occur before
the grounds are applied. In essence, grounding is the last
step in a coherent process. If the entire process is not
followed, including all of the first five steps, there is a risk of
shutting down a live system and disrupting the production
process, and most importantly, a significant risk of injury to
personnel. The risk to personnel arises from the false sense
of security when the personnel believe the conductors to be
grounded when they are not grounded.
S
imple manual – a device with upper and/or lower
terminals with provisions for connecting the phase
conductors to ground.
C
omplex manual – a device with upper and/or lower
terminals, and with a manually operated switch that
allows for connection of the upper or the lower terminals
to a set of test terminals. The test terminals, in turn, have
provisions for connecting the phase conductors of the
selected side (upper or lower) to ground.
S
imple electrical – a device with one set of terminals
(either upper or lower) and an electrically operated switch
to allow connecting this set of terminals (either upper or
lower, as applicable) to ground even if the system is
energized. The device may be provided with test ports
that allow voltage testing of both the upper and the lower
terminals of the device. The device has the capability to
apply the ground even to a system that is energized.
C
omplex electrical – a device with upper and/or lower
terminals, and with a manually operated switch to allow
for connection of the upper or the lower terminals to the
power-operated grounding switch. The device has the
capability to apply the ground even to a system that is
energized. The device may be provided with test ports for
voltage testing.
Answers for infrastructure.
IEEE C37.20.6 specifies performance requirements for
ground and test devices, but leaves construction aspects to
the manufacturer. The major need in construction of a
ground and test device is to provide interphase, outerphase,
and inter-terminal barriers to reduce the chance of
inadvertently bridging from live conductor to ground or
between terminals of the device. This is particularly
important with manual devices, where the user applies
cables or other conductors to make the ground connection.
Manual devices are often available with NEMA 4-hole pads
for connection of grounding cable lugs, and may be
available with ground stirrups or ground bails. A ground
stirrup (or ground bail) is a device that provides a round rod
for connection of grounding clamps.
Manual devices are often used with maintenance ground
clamps, available from several suppliers. These devices need
to be applied with insulated tools (typically called “hot
sticks”). A ground clamp, with attached cable, secured to the
end of a hot stick perhaps six to eight feet long, is not an
easy device to manipulate. This is another reason why it is
necessary to provide barriers to prevent inadvertent bridging
between phase and ground or from one terminal to another.
It is very important to verify that the primary system is deenergized before the grounding is established, since a
manual device does not have the ability to establish ground
on an energized system.
The capabilities of the ground and test device must be
coordinated with the switchgear structure with which it is to
be used and meet the current withstand ratings of the
switchgear.
The capabilities of the ground and test device are validated
by subjecting the device to short-circuit design (or type)
tests to validate the momentary and short-time current
withstand ratings. The device must pass a test in the power
laboratory in which the device successfully withstands a
single-phase momentary test at the rated short-circuit
current with the first peak current during the test equivalent
to the peak withstand current of the device (260% of the
rated short-circuit current). The test duration is at least ten
power-frequency cycles, with current flowing to the ground
conductor from the nearest phase conductor. The test must
be repeated as a three-phase test, including ground, with
peak current at 260% occurring in the nearest phase to the
ground conductor.
The ground and test device must withstand a short-time
current test at the rated short-circuit current for two
seconds, with current flow to the ground bar from the
furthest phase conductor.
Lastly, the ground and test device must withstand the same
dielectric withstand tests (one minute power-frequency
withstand voltage and full-wave lightning impulse withstand
voltage) as are required for the switchgear.
Siemens has tested our ground and test devices under these
conditions, with qualification regarding the connection from
the terminals to the ground system. These tests were
witnessed by UL. The testing was performed with multiple
ground cables per phase, on those devices which are used
with cables. The number of cables is selected so that the
cables can withstand the current. This typically requires
three or four 4/0 cables per phase, and thus demands that
the device tested be equipped with NEMA four-hole pads
suitable for connection of multiple cables per phase. Devices
suitable for use with grounding clamps are, of course,
limited to the fault current and duration that corresponds to
the capabilities of the grounding clamps and cables. For
more discussion of grounding cables, refer to TechTopics No.
88.
With any ground and test device, it is imperative that the
user develop comprehensive operating instructions to
implement the requirements of NFPA 70E. These are needed
to avoid unintended shutdown of the electric system, and to
ensure that the operating personnel and others near the
equipment are protected during use of the devices.
Siemens ground and test devices
Of the devices listed in the standards, Siemens offers simple
manual and simple electrical devices. Complex devices, as
the term implies, are very complicated, and as a result
require great care in use and proper maintenance. Due to
space constraints, complex electrical devices often cannot
be constructed with the same basic operating mechanism of
the corresponding circuit breaker. Since such devices are
highly specialized, and produced in very low volumes,
reliability becomes questionable. For these reasons, Siemens
does not offer complex devices, either manual or electrical.
Siemens offers the following types of devices:
For use in type GM-SG switchgear up to 15kV type GMSG-MO simple manual device:
A simple manual device is offered, which has two sets of
terminals (upper and lower) and has manually operated
hookstick-operable single-pole double-throw switches to
allow connection of either the upper terminals or the lower
terminals to ground. The hookstick-operable switches
should be actuated with the device inside the switchgear
compartment. The preferred operating sequence is:
Install all horizontal barriers between the hookstickoperable switches and the upper and lower terminals
C
lose and lock the hinged door on the device that covers
the terminals that are not intended to be tested and
grounded
C
lose but do not lock the hinged door on the device that
covers the terminals that are to be tested and grounded
Insert the ground and test device in the cell and rack to
the connected position
2
U
se the hookstick to open the hinged door that covers the
terminals that are to be tested and grounded
U
se a voltage measuring device rated for the system
voltage to test the terminals for the presence of voltage.
Follow the NFPA 70E procedure to validate the test
instrument: First test that the voltage measuring device
properly indicates voltage on a known live conductor;
second, test the terminals that are to be grounded for the
presence of voltage; finally, check the voltage measuring
device on a known live conductor to verify that the test
instrument is still working correctly
Figure 1: Section view of type GMSG-MO manually operated ground and
test device
Side view
B
A
F
D
G
E
A
fter it has been verified that there is no voltage present
on the terminals that are to be grounded, use the
hookstick to remove the horizontal barriers between the
switches and the terminals that are to be grounded
A
F
C
G
U
se the hookstick to move the switch blades to the
terminals to be grounded, and latch the switch blades in
the fully connected position.
Figure 1 shows a section view of the type GMSG-MO manual
ground and test device, illustrating the upper and lower
terminals and the switch blades. The switch can be in the
neutral position, or can be moved to ground the upper or
lower terminals. A detent maintains the switch in the
neutral position, and the hookstick operable switch blade
latches when connected to either power terminal.
Removable horizontal barriers are included between the
switch blades and the upper terminals, and between the
switch blades and the lower terminals. Non-removable
vertical barriers are provided between poles. The horizontal
barriers are removable with a hookstick to allow for
operation of the switches.
Figure 2 shows use of a hookstick to close the switch to
ground the lower terminals of the left phase on the device
(normally, system phase A). The horizontal barriers are
shown in place between the switches and the lower
terminals for the center and right phases (normally system
phases B and C). The vertical barriers between phases are
also shown.
Item
Description
A
Primary contacts
B
Upper terminals
C
D
Description
E
Switch in neutral
position
Lower terminals
F
Padlock provision
(hasp)
Switch in up position
G
Removable barriers
Figure 2: Type GMSG-MO manually operated ground and test device: use
of a hookstick to close and latch the switch on the lower terminal of the
phase on the left
This device is available for use with type GM-SG family of
metal-clad switchgear with rated short-circuit current up to
50 kA. The device is suitable for use in 1,200 A, 2,000 A or
3,000 A circuit breaker cells (and 4,000 A for fan-cooled
arrangements) without adapters.
The switches eliminate the need for multiple cables per
phase to achieve grounding currents equal to the rated
short-circuit current of the equipment. Since the device has
built-in grounding conductors (the switches in combination
with the ground bus system), this eliminates the need for
the user to provide or maintain grounding cables for use
with the device. Therefore, the type GMSG-MO manual
ground and test device is not offered with provisions for
connection of cables, either using conventional cable lugs or
grounding clamps.
Item
B
D
D
D
E
A
C
C
Item
Description
A
Hookstick
B
Door over
upper
terminals
Switches
C
Lower
terminals
E
C
D
Switches
E
Removable
horizontal
barrier
3
The device is suitable for voltage (dielectric) testing of the
upper terminals or the lower terminals, and also for
checking phasing between the upper and the lower
terminals. In either case, probes and detection devices rated
for at least the voltages involved must be used.
Figure 3: Section view of type GMSG-EO electrically operated ground
and test device
Side view
D
Several electrically operated devices are available. These
devices have three power carrying terminals (upper or
lower, depending on the specific application), plus three
non-power carrying terminals for voltage testing only. The
device also includes an electrical operator capable of closing
the vacuum interrupter contacts against fault currents equal
to the short-circuit capacity of the switchgear. As with the
manual devices, the electrical devices are suitable for use in
1,200 A, 2,000 A or 3,000 A (as well as fan-cooled 4,000 A
units) without adapters. The devices are suitable for up to
50 kA ratings, and devices suitable for use on equipment
rated 63 kA are also available.
Figure 3 illustrates a section view of a typical electrically
operated ground and test device. This example shows a
device which is intended to ground the upper terminals of a
type GM-SG switchgear circuit breaker compartment. A
comparable device is available for grounding the lower
terminals. In either case, the opposite set of terminals is
arranged with “dummy” primaries, adequate for carrying the
current involved in voltage testing of the equipment, but
not intended to carry higher currents.
Figure 4 shows a front view of the device above. Test ports
for testing for the presence of voltage on the upper
terminals or the lower terminals are shown. These test ports
also allow for conducting phasing tests between the upper
and lower terminals. In either case, probes and detection
devices rated for at least the voltages involved must be
used. The photo also shows interlocks necessary for the
correct sequence of operation. All operations of the poweroperated closing mechanism to establish the ground on the
system are performed using a remote plugin control cord so
that grounding operations are conducted by personnel
standing remote from the switchgear section in which the
device is being used. The photo shows the receptacle on the
device to which the remote plugin control cord is attached
when in use.
C
A
For use in type GM-SG switchgear up to 15kV –
type GMSG-EO simple electrical device:
F
E
F
G
B
Item
Description
Item
Description
A
Upper test ports
E
Vacuum interrupter
B
Lower test ports
F
C
Upper conductive
primary
Vacuum interrupter
contacts
D
Power connection
G
Lower dummy primary
Figure 4: Type GMSG-EO electrically operated ground and test device:
use of a hookstick to close and latch the switch on the lower terminal of
the phase on the left
B
F
E
A
D
C
Item
Description
A
Open/close indicator
B
Upper test ports and
test port slide
C
Lower test ports and
test port slide
Item
Description
D
Stored-energy operator
(not visible)
E
Selector switch
F
Remote control cable
receptacle
4
For use in type GM38 switchgear up to 38kV – type
GM38T simple manual device:
A simple manual device is offered, which has two sets of
terminals (upper and lower) and provisions for use of
grounding cables. The preferred device has NEMA four-hole
pads for bolting cable lugs to the pads, but an alternate
arrangement with ground stirrups is also available. With the
four-hole pads, the device passes the current withstand tests
of C37.20.6. When equipped with ground stirrups, the
current and duration limits of the cables and ground clamps
(if applicable) used apply.
Figure 5 shows a section view of the manual device. For
illustration purposes, the upper terminals are shown with
NEMA four-hole pads while the lower terminals are shown
with ground stirrups for use with ground clamps. The front
of the device has padlockable doors over each set of
terminals. The device includes a ground bar on the lower
front (not shown), that connects to the ground bar in the
switchgear when the device is inserted into the switchgear.
Vertical barriers are provided between phases, as well as a
horizontal barrier between upper and lower terminals. These
barriers are not removable.
Figure 6 shows a view of the front of the devices, with both
doors open to show the upper and lower terminals.
This device is available for use with type GM38 metal-clad
switchgear up to 38 kV, with rated short-circuit current up to
40 kA. The device is suitable for use in 1,200 A, 2,000 A or
3,000 A (fan-cooled) circuit breaker cells without adapters.
The device is suitable for voltage (dielectric) testing of the
upper terminals or the lower terminals, and also for
checking phasing between the upper and the lower
terminals. In either case, probes and detection devices rated
for at least the voltages involved must be used. The user
must provide cables to connect from the device terminals to
ground.
Figure 5: Section view of type GM38T manually operated ground and
test device
Side view
B
G
H
D
A
C
E
F
Item
Description
Item
Description
A
Padlock angles
E
Alternate arrangement
B
Four-hole pad for cable
connection
F
Compartment barrier
C
Ground stirrup (or bail)
for ground clamp
G
Primary stud
D
Standard arrangement
H
Primary contact finger
Figure 6: Type GM38T manually operated ground and test device with
upper door open
A
B
B
B
Item
Description
A
Upper door
(shown open)
B
Upper
terminals
C
Lower door
(shown
closed)
D
Lower
terminals
(behind door)
E
Ground bar
for connection
of user’s
cables
C
D
D
D
E
5
For use in type GM38 switchgear up to 38 kV –
type 38-3AH3-GTD simple electrical device:
Two electrically operated devices are available. These
devices have three power carrying terminals (upper
terminals or lower terminals, depending on the specific
application), plus three dummy (non-power carrying)
terminals for voltage testing only. The device also includes
an electrical operator capable of closing the vacuum
interrupter contacts against fault currents equal to the
short-circuit capacity of the switchgear. As with the manual
devices, the electrical devices are suitable for use in
1,200 A, 2,000 A or 3,000 A (fan-cooled) circuit breaker
compartments without adapters. The devices are suitable for
use with type GM38 switchgear rated up to 40 kA.
Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a typical electrically
operated device. This example shows a device which is
intended to ground the lower terminals of a switchgear
circuit breaker compartment. A comparable device is
available for grounding the upper terminals. In either case,
the opposite set of terminals is arranged with “dummy”
primaries, adequate for carrying the current involved in
voltage testing of the equipment, but not intended to carry
higher currents.
Figure 8 shows a front view of the device above. Test ports
for testing for the presence of voltage on the upper
terminals or the lower terminals are shown. These test ports
also allow for conducting phasing tests between the upper
and lower terminals. The photo also shows interlocks
necessary for the correct sequence of operation. All
operations of the power-operated closing mechanism to
establish the ground on the system are performed using a
remote plugin control cord so that grounding operations are
conducted by personnel standing remote from the
switchgear section in which the device is being used. The
photo shows the receptacle on the device to which the
remote plugin control cord is attached when in use.
Figure 7: Type 38-3AH3-GTD electrical ground and test device (for
grounding lower terminals)
Side view
B
A
F
E
G
C
D
Item
Description
Item
Description
A
Upper test ports
E
Vacuum interrupter
B
Upper test well
F
Upper dummy primary
C
Lower test ports
G
Lower conductive primary
D
Lower test well
H
Primary contact finger
Figure 8: Type 38-3AH3-GTD electrical ground and test device
B
F
D
E
A
C
Item
Description
A
Open/close indicator
B
Upper test ports and
test port slide
C
Lower test ports and
test port slide
Item
Description
D
Stored-energy operator
(not visible)
E
Selector switch
F
Remote control cable
receptacle
6
Ground and test devices have a long history of use, dating
back to at least the 1950s. Over the decades of use, the
designs have evolved to include greater functionality,
improved interlocking functions, and increased ratings. The
Siemens devices have also changed to eliminate special
primary disconnect arrangements and adapters for use in
circuit breaker compartments of different ratings.
In addition, the design test requirements for ground and test
devices have evolved, particularly since the introduction of
IEEE C37.20.6. While use of ground and test devices was
rare in the early days, today, ground and test devices are
increasingly specified by users as the best way to apply
temporary grounds to the phase conductors in switchgear in
compliance with OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements, so as to
achieve an electrically safe work condition.
The information provided in this document contains merely general
descriptions or characteristics of performance which in case of actual
use do not always apply as described or which may change as a result of
further development of the products. An obligation to provide the
respective characteristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms
of contract.
All product designations may be trademarks or product names of
Siemens AG or supplier companies whose use by third parties for their
own purposes could violate the rights of the owners.
Siemens Industry, Inc.
7000 Siemens Road
Wendell, NC 27591
Subject to change without prior notice.
Order No.: IC1000-F320-A136-X-4A00
All rights reserved.
© 2012 Siemens Industry, Inc.
For more information, contact: +1 (800) 347-6659
www.usa.siemens.com/techtopics
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